Casual chic outfit: pleated pants
SHOP THE LOOK
Shopping reminders: I love the look of each item chosen. I haven’t purchased or tried on these exact items, so read the reviews, order two pairs to ensure for sizing, read the return directions, etc.
Casual chic outfits are about the balance of the pieces.
My favorite casual chic IT ITEM is a pleated bottom - pants, shorts or skirt.
They can be for work, school, date night, or even special events with a switch up of a shoe, accessories or hair styles.
Pleated pants or skirts are full goodness that quietly shouts CHIC. Pleats are typically associated with stuffy workwear or something that is old fashioned and out of date. However, they can also elevate an otherwise casual outfit to chic. Pleats give just the right amount of classic.
Take Katherine Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy.
They are the quintessential icons for classic style. One of their hallmarks? Pleated pants or trousers. Pleats give a crispness that dress up otherwise casual pieces and can also give formality to dressier pieces. They are a true wardrobe chameleon and workhorse.
Issey Miyake is often regarded as the grandfather of pleats in the fashion design world.
He died in 1984 but brought so much to fashion. The New York Times wrote that: his clothing was “about movement, change, and excitement. Joy was his conviction.”
Doesn’t that just sound like a fun way to dress? To dress with conviction and joy? And how can you not get excited with this many pleats?
Let’s break down the pleated pant, casual chic look:
⚡️ VIBE
In creating a casual chic look, I wanted a mixture that whispered: alluring, confident, relaxed and polished. I wanted to feel sexy, but chill. I showed skin in places (the top), but also covered it up in other places (the full, wide leg pants).
👤 BODY
I’m bigger on the bottom compared to the top. The goal with this outfit was to let the eye move around without getting stuck. You do that by wearing pieces that show skin, have different hems or lengths.
This look also emphasizes long legs visually giving my body 1/3rd and 2/3rd “sections.” The cropped top is the 1/3rd and the pants are the 2/3rds - creating an illusion of long legs (I’m 5’2”).
🎨 COLORS
These are part of my primary colors: black, grey, and brown. I will always and forever purchase items in this color palette and I adore putting these tones together. It gives an effortless vibe. See also what happens when you put black and navy together = instant Parisian chic.
⬛️ SHAPES
This outfit is giving shapes that play well with my body type: high waisted pants that are drapey and swingy. Cropped top that shows some stomach with dainty straps and a v-neck. Current (aka: trendy) sandals with a square toe and wide strap.
The textures of the items also lends itself to the vibe - pants are swishy and flowy. Top is a sweater tank. Earrings are silver and big. Shoes are leather with embossed detail. Glasses are tortoise.
Some outfit disclaimers:
💀 These sandal give me hella blisters. I love them, they are super cute, but I understand how they ended up at the consignment store. I put moleskin on the inside of the top strap. It helps… a little. I know now these are not fast walking sandals, only good for short walks or photos.
My vintage hoops are BIG. They are large and in charge and one of my most worn items. Get you some!
These pants are polyester and hot as hell. They are super high waisted and have PLEATS. Lean into the pleats for this look.
